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Gupta A, Kang K, Pathania R, Saxton L, Saucedo B, Malik A, Torres-Tiji Y, Diaz CJ, Dutra Molino JV, Mayfield SP. Harnessing genetic engineering to drive economic bioproduct production in algae. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1350722. [PMID: 38347913 PMCID: PMC10859422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1350722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Our reliance on agriculture for sustenance, healthcare, and resources has been essential since the dawn of civilization. However, traditional agricultural practices are no longer adequate to meet the demands of a burgeoning population amidst climate-driven agricultural challenges. Microalgae emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable and renewable source of food, animal feed, and energy. Their rapid growth rates, adaptability to non-arable land and non-potable water, and diverse bioproduct range, encompassing biofuels and nutraceuticals, position them as a cornerstone of future resource management. Furthermore, microalgae's ability to capture carbon aligns with environmental conservation goals. While microalgae offers significant benefits, obstacles in cost-effective biomass production persist, which curtails broader application. This review examines microalgae compared to other host platforms, highlighting current innovative approaches aimed at overcoming existing barriers. These approaches include a range of techniques, from gene editing, synthetic promoters, and mutagenesis to selective breeding and metabolic engineering through transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gupta
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kalisa Kang
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Pathania
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Saxton
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Saucedo
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ashleyn Malik
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Yasin Torres-Tiji
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Crisandra J. Diaz
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - João Vitor Dutra Molino
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Stephen P. Mayfield
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- California Center for Algae Biotechnology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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2
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Dhokane D, Shaikh A, Yadav A, Giri N, Bandyopadhyay A, Dasgupta S, Bhadra B. CRISPR-based bioengineering in microalgae for production of industrially important biomolecules. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1267826. [PMID: 37965048 PMCID: PMC10641005 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1267826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae, as photosynthetic organisms, have the potential to produce biomolecules for use in food, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fuel, and other applications. Faster growth rates and higher protein and lipid content make microalgae a popular chassis for many industrial applications. However, challenges such as low productivity and high production costs have limited their commercialization. To overcome these challenges, bioengineering approaches such as genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology have been employed to improve the productivity and quality of microalgae-based products. Genetic engineering employing genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas allows precise and targeted genetic modifications. CRISPR/Cas systems are presently used to modify the genetic makeup of microalgae for enhanced production of specific biomolecules. However, these tools are yet to be explored explicitly in microalgae owing to some limitations. Despite the progress made in CRISPR-based bioengineering approaches, there is still a need for further research to optimize the production of microalgae-based products. This includes improving the efficiency of genome editing tools, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of microalgal metabolism, and optimizing growth conditions and cultivation strategies. Additionally, addressing the ethical, social, and environmental concerns associated with genetic modification of microalgae is crucial for the responsible development and commercialization of microalgae-based products. This review summarizes the advancements of CRISPR-based bioengineering for production of industrially important biomolecules and provides key considerations to use CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae. The review will help researchers to understand the progress and to initiate genome editing experiments in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bhaskar Bhadra
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai, India
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3
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Feng S, Xie X, Liu J, Li A, Wang Q, Guo D, Li S, Li Y, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhou J, Tang DYY, Show PL. A potential paradigm in CRISPR/Cas systems delivery: at the crossroad of microalgal gene editing and algal-mediated nanoparticles. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:370. [PMID: 37817254 PMCID: PMC10563294 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae as the photosynthetic organisms offer enormous promise in a variety of industries, such as the generation of high-value byproducts, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and others. With the rapid advancement of gene editing technology, CRISPR/Cas system has evolved into an effective tool that revolutionised the genetic engineering of microalgae due to its robustness, high target specificity, and programmability. However, due to the lack of robust delivery system, the efficacy of gene editing is significantly impaired, limiting its application in microalgae. Nanomaterials have become a potential delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas systems due to their advantages of precise targeting, high stability, safety, and improved immune system. Notably, algal-mediated nanoparticles (AMNPs), especially the microalgae-derived nanoparticles, are appealing as a sustainable delivery platform because of their biocompatibility and low toxicity in a homologous relationship. In addition, living microalgae demonstrated effective and regulated distribution into specified areas as the biohybrid microrobots. This review extensively summarised the uses of CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae and the recent developments of nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas delivery systems. A systematic description of the properties and uses of AMNPs, microalgae-derived nanoparticles, and microalgae microrobots has also been discussed. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future research directions for the development of gene-edited microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Feng
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Xin Xie
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Aifang Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Shuxuan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Jin Zhou
- Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Doris Ying Ying Tang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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4
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Milito A, Aschern M, McQuillan JL, Yang JS. Challenges and advances towards the rational design of microalgal synthetic promoters in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:3833-3850. [PMID: 37025006 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae hold enormous potential to provide a safe and sustainable source of high-value compounds, acting as carbon-fixing biofactories that could help to mitigate rapidly progressing climate change. Bioengineering microalgal strains will be key to optimizing and modifying their metabolic outputs, and to render them competitive with established industrial biotechnology hosts, such as bacteria or yeast. To achieve this, precise and tuneable control over transgene expression will be essential, which would require the development and rational design of synthetic promoters as a key strategy. Among green microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii represents the reference species for bioengineering and synthetic biology; however, the repertoire of functional synthetic promoters for this species, and for microalgae generally, is limited in comparison to other commercial chassis, emphasizing the need to expand the current microalgal gene expression toolbox. Here, we discuss state-of-the-art promoter analyses, and highlight areas of research required to advance synthetic promoter development in C. reinhardtii. In particular, we exemplify high-throughput studies performed in other model systems that could be applicable to microalgae, and propose novel approaches to interrogating algal promoters. We lastly outline the major limitations hindering microalgal promoter development, while providing novel suggestions and perspectives for how to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moritz Aschern
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josie L McQuillan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Jae-Seong Yang
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Courseaux A, George O, Deschamps P, Bompard C, Duchêne T, Dauvillée D. BE3 is the major branching enzyme isoform required for amylopectin synthesis in C hlamydomonas reinhardtii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1201386. [PMID: 37324674 PMCID: PMC10264815 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1201386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Starch-branching enzymes (BEs) are essential for starch synthesis in both plants and algae where they influence the architecture and physical properties of starch granules. Within Embryophytes, BEs are classified as type 1 and type 2 depending on their substrate preference. In this article, we report the characterization of the three BE isoforms encoded in the genome of the starch producing green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: two type 2 BEs (BE2 and BE3) and a single type 1 BE (BE1). Using single mutant strains, we analyzed the consequences of the lack of each isoform on both transitory and storage starches. The transferred glucan substrate and the chain length specificities of each isoform were also determined. We show that only BE2 and BE3 isoforms are involved in starch synthesis and that, although both isoforms possess similar enzymatic properties, BE3 is critical for both transitory and storage starch metabolism. Finally, we propose putative explanations for the strong phenotype differences evidenced between the C. reinhardtii be2 and be3 mutants, including functional redundancy, enzymatic regulation or alterations in the composition of multimeric enzyme complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Courseaux
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Uniteí de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | - Océane George
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Uniteí de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Deschamps
- University Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 8079, AgroParisTech, Laboratoire Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Coralie Bompard
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Uniteí de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | - Thierry Duchêne
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Uniteí de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | - David Dauvillée
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Uniteí de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
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6
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Masi A, Leonelli F, Scognamiglio V, Gasperuzzo G, Antonacci A, Terzidis MA. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: A Factory of Nutraceutical and Food Supplements for Human Health. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031185. [PMID: 36770853 PMCID: PMC9921279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) is one of the most well-studied microalgae organisms that revealed important information for the photosynthetic and metabolic processes of plants and eukaryotes. Numerous extensive studies have also underpinned its great potential as a biochemical factory, capable of producing various highly desired molecules with a direct impact on human health and longevity. Polysaccharides, lipids, functional proteins, pigments, hormones, vaccines, and antibodies are among the valuable biomolecules that are produced spontaneously or under well-defined conditions by C. reinhardtii and can be directly linked to human nutrition and diet. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances in the field focusing on the most relevant applications related to the production of important biomolecules for human health that are also linked with human nutrition and diet. The limitations and challenges are critically discussed along with the potential future applications of C. reinhardtii biomass and processed products in the field of nutraceuticals and food supplements. The increasing need for high-value and low-cost biomolecules produced in an environmentally and economy sustainable manner also underline the important role of C. reinhardtii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Masi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy
| | - Francesca Leonelli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Scognamiglio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gasperuzzo
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy
| | - Amina Antonacci
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.A.T.); Tel.: +39-0690675597 (A.A.); +30-2310013224 (M.A.T.)
| | - Michael A. Terzidis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Sindos Campus, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.A.T.); Tel.: +39-0690675597 (A.A.); +30-2310013224 (M.A.T.)
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7
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Diaz CJ, Douglas KJ, Kang K, Kolarik AL, Malinovski R, Torres-Tiji Y, Molino JV, Badary A, Mayfield SP. Developing algae as a sustainable food source. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1029841. [PMID: 36742010 PMCID: PMC9892066 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1029841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Current agricultural and food production practices are facing extreme stress, posed by climate change and an ever-increasing human population. The pressure to feed nearly 8 billion people while maintaining a minimal impact on the environment has prompted a movement toward new, more sustainable food sources. For thousands of years, both the macro (seaweed and kelp) and micro (unicellular) forms of algae have been cultivated as a food source. Algae have evolved to be highly efficient at resource utilization and have proven to be a viable source of nutritious biomass that could address many of the current food production issues. Particularly for microalgae, studies of their large-scale growth and cultivation come from the biofuel industry; however, this knowledge can be reasonably translated into the production of algae-based food products. The ability of algae to sequester CO2 lends to its sustainability by helping to reduce the carbon footprint of its production. Additionally, algae can be produced on non-arable land using non-potable water (including brackish or seawater), which allows them to complement rather than compete with traditional agriculture. Algae inherently have the desired qualities of a sustainable food source because they produce highly digestible proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Although algae have yet to be fully domesticated as food sources, a variety of cultivation and breeding tools exist that can be built upon to allow for the increased productivity and enhanced nutritional and organoleptic qualities that will be required to bring algae to mainstream utilization. Here we will focus on microalgae and cyanobacteria to highlight the current advancements that will expand the variety of algae-based nutritional sources, as well as outline various challenges between current biomass production and large-scale economic algae production for the food market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crisandra J. Diaz
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kai J. Douglas
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kalisa Kang
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ashlynn L. Kolarik
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rodeon Malinovski
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Yasin Torres-Tiji
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - João V. Molino
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Amr Badary
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Stephen P. Mayfield
- Mayfield Lab, Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States,California Center for Algae Biotechnology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Stephen P. Mayfield,
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8
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Lee TM, Lin JY, Tsai TH, Yang RY, Ng IS. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology and genetic engineering strategies for microalgae towards carbon neutrality: A critical review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 368:128350. [PMID: 36414139 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is the major greenhouse gas and regards as the critical issue of global warming and climate changes. The inconspicuous microalgae are responsible for 40% of carbon fixation among all photosynthetic plants along with a higher photosynthetic efficiency and convert the carbon into lipids, protein, pigments, and bioactive compounds. Genetic approach and metabolic engineering are applied to accelerate the growth rate and biomass of microalgae, hence achieve the mission of carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, CRISPR/Cas9 is efficiently to enhance the productivity of high-value compounds in microalgae for it is easier operation, more affordable and is able to regulate multiple genes simultaneously. The genetic engineering strategies provide the multidisciplinary concept to evolute and increase the CO2 fixation rate through Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. Therefore, the technologies, bioinformatics tools, systematic engineering approaches for carbon neutrality and circular economy are summarized and leading one step closer to the decarbonization society in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Min Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yi Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Yin Yang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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9
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Dhokane D, Kancharla N, Savarimuthu A, Bhadra B, Bandyopadhyay A, Dasgupta S. Genome Editing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Using Cas9-gRNA Ribonucleoprotein Complex: A Step-by-Step Guide. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2653:207-217. [PMID: 36995629 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3131-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies have provided opportunities to manipulate literally any genomic location, opening new avenues for reverse genetics-based improvements. Among them, CRISPR/Cas9 is the most versatile tool for genome editing applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we provide a guide to successfully carry out high-efficiency genome editing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using preassembled CRISPR/Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay Dhokane
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Nagesh Kancharla
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Arockiasamy Savarimuthu
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Bhaskar Bhadra
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India.
| | - Anindya Bandyopadhyay
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India.
| | - Santanu Dasgupta
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Corporate Park, Reliance Industries Ltd, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, India
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10
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Random Mutagenesis as a Promising Tool for Microalgal Strain Improvement towards Industrial Production. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20070440. [PMID: 35877733 PMCID: PMC9318807 DOI: 10.3390/md20070440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have become a promising novel and sustainable feedstock for meeting the rising demand for food and feed. However, microalgae-based products are currently hindered by high production costs. One major reason for this is that commonly cultivated wildtype strains do not possess the robustness and productivity required for successful industrial production. Several strain improvement technologies have been developed towards creating more stress tolerant and productive strains. While classical methods of forward genetics have been extensively used to determine gene function of randomly generated mutants, reverse genetics has been explored to generate specific mutations and target phenotypes. Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished by employing different gene editing tools, which enable the generation of tailor-made genotypes. Nevertheless, strategies promoting the selection of randomly generated mutants avoid the introduction of foreign genetic material. In this paper, we review different microalgal strain improvement approaches and their applications, with a primary focus on random mutagenesis. Current challenges hampering strain improvement, selection, and commercialization will be discussed. The combination of these approaches with high-throughput technologies, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting, as tools to select the most promising mutants, will also be discussed.
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11
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Schad A, Rössler S, Nagel R, Wagner H, Wilhelm C. Crossing and selection of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains for biotechnological glycolate production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3539-3554. [PMID: 35511277 PMCID: PMC9151519 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract As an alternative to chemical building blocks derived from algal biomass, the excretion of glycolate has been proposed. This process has been observed in green algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a product of the photorespiratory pathway. Photorespiration generally occurs at low CO2 and high O2 concentrations, through the key enzyme RubisCO initiating the pathway via oxygenation of 1.5-ribulose-bisphosphate. In wild-type strains, photorespiration is usually suppressed in favour of carboxylation due to the cellular carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) controlling the internal CO2 concentration. Additionally, newly produced glycolate is directly metabolized in the C2 cycle. Therefore, both the CCMs and the C2 cycle are the key elements which limit the glycolate production in wild-type cells. Using conventional crossing techniques, we have developed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii double mutants deficient in these two key pathways to direct carbon flux to glycolate excretion. Under aeration with ambient air, the double mutant D6 showed a significant and stable glycolate production when compared to the non-producing wild type. Interestingly, this mutant can act as a carbon sink by fixing atmospheric CO2 into glycolate without requiring any additional CO2 supply. Thus, the double-mutant strain D6 can be used as a photocatalyst to produce chemical building blocks and as a future platform for algal-based biotechnology. Key Points • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia5 gyd double mutants were developed by sexual crossing • The double mutation eliminates the need for an inhibitor in glycolate production • The strain D6 produces significant amounts of glycolate with ambient air only Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Rössler
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raimund Nagel
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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12
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The Spermidine Synthase Gene SPD1: A Novel Auxotrophic Marker for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Designed by Enhanced CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050837. [PMID: 35269459 PMCID: PMC8909627 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biotechnological application of the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii hinges on the availability of selectable markers for effective expression of multiple transgenes. However, biological safety concerns limit the establishment of new antibiotic resistance genes and until today, only a few auxotrophic markers exist for C. reinhardtii. The recent improvements in gene editing via CRISPR/Cas allow directed exploration of new endogenous selectable markers. Since editing frequencies remain comparably low, a Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery protocol was strategically optimized by applying nitrogen starvation to the pre-culture, which improved successful gene edits from 10% to 66% after pre-selection. Probing the essential polyamine biosynthesis pathway, the spermidine synthase gene (SPD1) is shown to be a potent selectable marker with versatile biotechnological applicability. Very low levels of spermidine (0.75 mg/L) were required to maintain normal mixotrophic and phototrophic growth in newly designed spermidine auxotrophic strains. Complementation of these strains with a synthetic SPD1 gene was achieved when the mature protein was expressed in the cytosol or targeted to the chloroplast. This work highlights the potential of new selectable markers for biotechnology as well as basic research and proposes an effective pipeline for the identification of new auxotrophies in C. reinhardtii.
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Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Pachillu K, Bansal S, Brindangnanam P, Arockiaraj J, Kiran GS, Selvin J. Identification and characterization of the novel bioactive compounds from microalgae and cyanobacteria for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:999-1029. [PMID: 35014044 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are used as food by humans. They have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are good sources of many valuable compounds, including important biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Under optimal growth condition and stress factors, algal biomass produce varieties of potential bioactive compounds. In the current review, bioactive compounds production and their remarkable applications such as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications along with processes involved in identification and characterization of the novel bioactive compounds are discussed. Comprehensive knowledge about the exploration, extraction, screening, and trading of bioactive products from microalgae and cyanobacteria and their pharmaceutical and other applications will open up new avenues for drug discovery and bioprospecting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqib Hassan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.,Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalpana Pachillu
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sonia Bansal
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pownraj Brindangnanam
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.,Foundation for Aquaculture Innovation and Technology Transfer (FAITT), Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Seghal Kiran
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Joseph Selvin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
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Schroda M, Remacle C. Molecular Advancements Establishing Chlamydomonas as a Host for Biotechnological Exploitation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:911483. [PMID: 35845675 PMCID: PMC9277225 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.911483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is emerging as a production platform for biotechnological purposes thanks to recent achievements, which we briefly summarize in this review. Firstly, robust nuclear transgene expression is now possible because several impressive improvements have been made in recent years. Strains allowing efficient and stable nuclear transgene expression are available and were recently made more amenable to rational biotechnological approaches by enabling genetic crosses and identifying their causative mutation. The MoClo synthetic biology strategy, based on Golden Gate cloning, was developed for Chlamydomonas and includes a growing toolkit of more than 100 genetic parts that can be robustly and rapidly assembled in a predefined order. This allows for rapid iterative cycles of transgene design, building, testing, and learning. Another major advancement came from various findings improving transgene design and expression such as the systematic addition of introns into codon-optimized coding sequences. Lastly, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for genome editing has undergone several improvements since its first successful report in 2016, which opens the possibility of optimizing biosynthetic pathways by switching off competing ones. We provide a few examples demonstrating that all these recent developments firmly establish Chlamydomonas as a chassis for synthetic biology and allow the rewiring of its metabolism to new capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schroda
- Molecular Biotechnology and Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Claire Remacle
- Genetics and Physiology of Microalgae, InBios/Phytosystems Research Unit, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Claire Remacle,
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15
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A critical perspective on the scope of interdisciplinary approaches used in fourth-generation biofuel production. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Maréchal E. Grand Challenges in Microalgae Domestication. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:764573. [PMID: 34630500 PMCID: PMC8495258 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.764573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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17
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Sizova I, Kelterborn S, Verbenko V, Kateriya S, Hegemann P. Chlamydomonas POLQ is necessary for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab114. [PMID: 33836052 PMCID: PMC8495919 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of CRISPR/Cas endonucleases has revolutionized gene editing techniques for research on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. To better utilize the CRISPR/Cas system, it is essential to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the DNA repair pathways involved in genome editing. In this study, we have analyzed contributions from canonical KU80/KU70-dependent nonhomologous end-joining (cNHEJ) and DNA polymerase theta (POLQ)-mediated end joining on SpCas9-mediated untemplated mutagenesis and homology-directed repair (HDR)/gene inactivation in Chlamydomonas. Using CRISPR/SpCas9 technology, we generated DNA repair-defective mutants ku80, ku70, polQ for gene targeting experiments. Our results show that untemplated repair of SpCas9-induced double strand breaks results in mutation spectra consistent with an involvement of both KU80/KU70 and POLQ. In addition, the inactivation of POLQ was found to negatively affect HDR of the inactivated paromomycin-resistant mut-aphVIII gene when donor single-stranded oligos were used. Nevertheless, mut-aphVIII was still repaired by homologous recombination in these mutants. POLQ inactivation suppressed random integration of transgenes co-transformed with the donor ssDNA. KU80 deficiency did not affect these events but instead was surprisingly found to stimulate HDR/gene inactivation. Our data suggest that in Chlamydomonas, POLQ is the main contributor to CRISPR/Cas-induced HDR and random integration of transgenes, whereas KU80/KU70 potentially plays a secondary role. We expect our results will lead to improvement of genome editing in C. reinhardtii and can be used for future development of algal biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Sizova
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Gatchina 188300, Russia
- Kurchatov Genome Center - PNPI, Gatchina 188300, Russia
| | - Simon Kelterborn
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
| | - Valeriy Verbenko
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Gatchina 188300, Russia
- Kurchatov Genome Center - PNPI, Gatchina 188300, Russia
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiology School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
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